Portishead shooting victim named
A man fatally shot by armed officers outside Portishead has been named as Spencer Ashworth.
A man fatally shot by armed officers outside Portishead has been named as Spencer Ashworth. Mr Ashworth was shot by Avon and Somerset Constabulary officers on the A369 Portbury Hundred last Wednesday (September 27) after reportedly threatening another motorist with a handgun. The Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC) is investigating the circumstances of his death and confirmed that a non-police issue firearm was found at the scene. The weapon is currently being subject to ballistics and forensic testing. On Friday (September 29), it emerged that West Mercia Police received reports of a man pointing a gun at other motorists an hour before Mr Ashworth was shot. The force passed this information to Gloucestershire Constabulary and both forces referred themselves to the IPCC. However, neither force will be investigated. IPCC Operations Manager Mel Evans said: We are conducting a thorough and detailed independent investigation into the circumstances surrounding Mr Ashworths death. We have made positive progress and are continuing to build a detailed picture of what happened. We have made contact with Mr Ashworths family to offer our condolences and explain our role and will ensure they, Avon and Somerset Police and the Coroner are kept updated as the investigation continues. Our thoughts remain with all those affected.